Catherine II of Russia

Catherine II of Russia Historical Figure Nationality: Russia (born in Prussia) Year of Birth: 1729 Year of Death: 1796 Cause of Death: Stroke Religion: Russian Orthodox (formerly Lutheran) Spouse: Peter III Children: Paul, Aleksey Relatives: Alexander I of Russia (grandson) House: Holstein-Gottorp-Romanov (by marriage) Ascania (by birth) Political Office(s): Empress (formerly consort) of Russia Fictional Appearances: "Before the Beginning" Set in the Future Type of Appearance: Posthumous reference

Catherine II of Russia, called the Great (born Sophie Friederike Auguste, 2 May 1729 – 17 November 1796) reigned as Empress of Russia from June 28, 1762 until her death 34 years later. Born a German princess who converted to Russian Orthodoxy after marrying the future Tsar Peter III, she was an example of an enlightened despot.

Catherine II of Russia in "Before the Beginning"

A common story states that Catherine II, a woman with a voracious sexual appetite, died while attempting sexual intercourse with a stallion - supposedly the harness broke and she was crushed. This is a completely untrue story. Nonetheless, the story persisted throughout the centuries, until the invention of the time-viewer dispelled it, to the disappointment of some.

References

Royal offices (OTL)
Preceded by Peter III	Empress of Russia 1762-1796	Succeeded by Paul I
Preceded by Martha Skowrońska	Empress consort of Russia January-July 1762	Succeeded by An era of vacancy, then Sophie Dorothea of Württemberg